Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Bread: Healthy, Delicious, And Nutritious!

Pumpernickel bread is a type of bread that is traditionally made with rye flour, giving it a distinct flavour and colour. It is often enjoyed as a sandwich bread or toasted with butter. For those following a keto diet, which typically involves a reduction in carbohydrate intake, finding bread that fits within these dietary restrictions can be challenging. However, there are keto-friendly alternatives to traditional pumpernickel bread available on the market, as well as recipes for making your own low-carb version at home.

Pumpernickel bread recipes

Pumpernickel bread is a traditional European bread, particularly associated with Germany. It is a type of rye bread, but pumpernickel refers to a darker, traditionally pure rye, more strongly flavoured variety.

Traditional Pumpernickel

This is baked with whole rye berries, coarsely ground, and is incredibly dense. It gets its signature dark colour from Maillard browning, as it is baked at a low temperature for many hours.

American Pumpernickel

This variety uses a combination of milled wheat and rye flour, as well as commercial yeast, producing a springier loaf with a more open crumb. The deep colour comes from the addition of molasses and cocoa powder.

Ingredients

• Rye flour
• Bread flour or all-purpose flour
• Molasses
• Cocoa powder
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Oil
• Cornmeal
• Sugar

Method

• Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
• Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and combine until a dough is formed.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl and cover. Let it rest in a warm place until it has doubled in size.
• Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
• Place the dough in a loaf pan, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven and bake the bread for about 35-40 minutes, until the crust is dark brown.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Tips

• Pumpernickel bread can be made in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 8 weeks.
• Common toppings include cream cheese, smoked salmon, cucumbers, and dill.
• For a darker colour and more intense flavour, substitute black coffee for the water.

Keto-friendly pumpernickel bread

Pumpernickel bread is a type of bread characterized by its dark colour and robust flavour. Traditional pumpernickel bread is made with rye flour, which is not typically considered keto-friendly due to its high carbohydrate content. However, it is possible to make keto-friendly pumpernickel bread by using alternative ingredients and reducing the carb content.

Ingredients

• Flours: Coconut flour and almond flour are often used as low-carb alternatives to rye flour. They provide a similar texture and flavour without the high carb content.
• Fibres: Psyllium husk powder and xanthan gum are used as sources of fibre to add bulk and improve the texture of the bread. They also help reduce net carb intake.
• Sweeteners: Sugar substitutes, such as granulated brown sugar substitutes or sukrin gold, are used to sweeten the bread without adding carbohydrates.
• Seeds: Sesame seeds, flax seeds, and caraway seeds add flavour and texture to the bread, while also providing some additional nutritional benefits.
• Liquids: Coconut milk, almond milk, olive oil, and sesame oil are used to provide moisture and healthy fats to the bread.
• Flavourings: Unsweetened cocoa powder and apple cider vinegar are added to enhance the flavour and colour of the bread.

Recipe

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang for easy removal after baking.
• In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine all the dry ingredients, including any nuts and seeds.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Add the liquid ingredients, such as coconut milk or almond milk, melted butter or coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing.

Storage

Tips

• If you want a stronger pumpernickel flavour, you can add a few drops of gluten-free rye bread extract to the batter.
• This bread can be sliced and toasted just like regular bread and is perfect for keto-friendly sandwiches, such as a Ruben sandwich.

Gluten-free pumpernickel bread

Pumpernickel bread is a classic bread recipe that is enjoyed all year round. It is typically made with bread flour, but gluten-free alternatives are also available. This bread is full-bodied, with a crusty exterior and a deep, richly coloured interior.

Ingredients

• Water
• Eggs
• Molasses
• Vegetable oil
• Gluten-free flour blend (brown rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch)
• Dry milk powder
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Yeast
• Salt
• Caraway seeds
• Orange peel
• Apple cider vinegar
• Butter
• Onion powder
• Coffee

Method

First, mix the flours in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the sugar and yeast, followed by the water. Let this sit for 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly. Then, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it forms a ball of dough.

Next, add the molasses, salt, vinegar, and butter to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place it in a large plastic bag and leave it to rise for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, the dough will be puffy. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the dough on medium-high speed for two minutes. Prepare two 8” x 4.5” baking pans by spraying them with cooking spray and sprinkling them with gluten-free flour.

Divide the batter between the two pans and drape plastic wrap over them. Set the pans in a warm spot and let the dough rise for about 25 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a shallow pan of water on the lower rack of the oven. When the oven is ready, carefully open the door and place the bread pans on the rack above the water.

Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the loaf comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes in the pan before removing it to finish cooling.

Tips

• It is important to follow the recipe closely when making gluten-free bread. However, feel free to experiment with substitutions, keeping in mind that the results may differ from the original recipe.
• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature unless a specific temperature is specified.
• The seltzer water should not be too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
• Keep an eye on the dough during the final rise to ensure it does not touch the plastic wrap.
• Test the bread with a toothpick to check for doneness. It should sound hollow when tapped.
• This bread slices incredibly well and should freeze well, although it may not last long enough to make it into the freezer!

Low-carb pumpernickel bread options

Pumpernickel bread is a type of bread characterised by its dark colour and slightly sweet flavour. It is traditionally made with rye flour, but there are now many variations available, including low-carb options.

Low-Carb Pumpernickel Bread Recipes

If you're looking for a keto-friendly pumpernickel bread recipe, there are a few options available online. These recipes typically use a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, and psyllium powder to create a dense and chewy texture, similar to that of traditional pumpernickel bread. Some recipes also include ingredients like cocoa powder, caraway seeds, and butter to enhance the flavour and texture of the bread.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Grease a standard loaf pan.
• In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of almond flour, 1/2 cup of coconut flour, 1/2 cup of psyllium powder, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons of caraway seeds.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of almond or coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 35-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Store-Bought Low-Carb Pumpernickel Bread

If you don't want to make your own low-carb pumpernickel bread, there are also some store-bought options available. For example, the Great Low Carb Bread Company offers a pumpernickel bread that is keto-friendly and has only 1g net carb per slice. This bread can be purchased on Amazon, and some reviewers have commented that it is great for sandwiches.

Another option is the LC-Foods Low Carb XL Pumpernickel Bread, which offers 24 regular slices or 48 thin slices per loaf. This bread is also keto-friendly and has just 1g net carb per slice for the regular slices and 0.5g net carb per slice for the thin slices. It can be purchased through the LC-Foods subscription service.

So, if you're following a low-carb or keto diet, you don't have to miss out on the unique flavour and texture of pumpernickel bread. With these recipes and store-bought options, you can still enjoy this delicious bread while sticking to your dietary goals.

Where to buy pumpernickel bread

There are several options available for purchasing pumpernickel bread, both in-store and online.

In-Store

If you're looking to buy pumpernickel bread from a physical store, you can try Target. They offer a range of bread products, and while it's not guaranteed that they'll have pumpernickel bread in stock, it's worth checking their bakery section.

Online

There are numerous online retailers that sell pumpernickel bread, providing a convenient way to get your hands on this delicious loaf without leaving your home. Here are some options:

• Amazon: With a simple search on Amazon, you'll find a wide variety of pumpernickel bread options, including well-known brands like Mestemacher, S. Rosens, Landsberg, and Pepperidge Farm. You can compare prices, read reviews, and enjoy the convenience of delivery to your doorstep.
• Instacart: This online grocery platform offers a range of pumpernickel bread products from local and national retailers. You can choose from 57 different pumpernickel bread products and opt for same-day delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
• Three Brothers Bakery: This bakery offers a dark, sourdough rye flour-based pumpernickel bread that's a customer favorite. You can order it directly from their website for a tasty treat.

Whether you choose to shop in-store or online, these options ensure you can find and enjoy pumpernickel bread to suit your preferences.

Frequently asked questions